Parking field security device

ABSTRACT

A security device for selectively blocking a parking space to prevent unauthorized use of the space. A stationary vertical support post is set into the pavement or ground outside and adjacent to the parking space. A movable barrier portion is pivotally secured to the support post to be swingable from an upper, vertical position in which the space is free for use by a vehicle, to a lower, horizontal position in which the barrier portion extends across a substantial portion of the parking space and blocks use thereof. Locking means may be provided to lock the barrier in either the horizontal or vertical positions, or both, to prevent unauthorized moving thereof.

United States Patent in] 3,600,853

[72] Inventor Leonard Goldberg l,763,4l4 6/1930 Adams 49/131 ll Sunrbe PM, Valley Stream, N.Y. 2,0l5,607 9/1935 Shinn 49/35 X 581 3,l6l,275 l2/l964 Sullivan..... 49/35 X [21] Appl. No. 27,600 3,417,508 12/1968 Sprung 49/35 Filed Prim Examiner-Dennis L. Taylor [451 Arror r rz y-Lillingdz Siege] RKING "KL IUI'Y V c [54] 23m; p zi g i DE ICE ABSTRACT: A security device for selectively blocking a parking space to prevent unauthorized use of the space. A sta- [52] US. Cl. 49/35, may vertical support post is set into the pavemem or 49/131 ground outside and adjacent to the parking space. A movable [SI] IIILCI. in" 13/00 barrier portion is pivmany secured to the support post to be [50] Fieldolsearch 49/35, 49, swingable from an upper, venical position in which the space is free for use by a vehicle, to a lower, horizontal position in which the barrier portion extends across a substantial portion [56] References Clad of the parkrng space and blocks use thereof. Locking means UNITED STATES PATENTS may be provided to lock the barrier in either the horizontal or 3 2/1914 I E 4 /4 vertical positions. or both, to prevent unauthorized moving 1,734,748 ll/l929 steinkampnwnfln... 49/35X h f:

PARKING FIELD SECURITY DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a device for preventing unauthorized use of a parking space, and particularly to such a device which will block the parking space and which may be moved out of blocking position by a person authorized to use such space.

Frequently, particularly with regard to industrial plants or other large businesses, it is desirable and customary to provide reserved parking space for certain members of the staff or other employees. Such spaces are generally marked as reserved'," however, unless a guard or parking attendant is present, there is customarily no way to prevent an unauthorized person from using such reserved parking spaces.

In an attempt to prevent unauthorized use of such reserved spaces, it has previously been proposed to provide barrier devices which normally block such reserved parking spaces, and which can be selectively moved to a nonblocking position only by a person authorized to do so. Such known devices conventionally are set into the pavement or ground within the area of the parking space, generally near the rear thereof, and include a swingable portion which may be pivoted from a substantially vertical position, in which it blocks entry or exit of a vehicle from the space, and a substantially horizontal position adjacent the ground in which the vehicle can pass over the barrier and enter into or exit from the parking space.

A primary disadvantage of such known parking space barrier devices has been that, due to their location within the parking space itself, the vehicle must pass over same to enter into or exit from the parking space. Inasmuch as these devices generally protrude a considerable distance above the pavement or ground level, even when in their horizontal, nonblocking position, considerable damage may be done to the vehicle ifit is not precisely aligned with regard to the parking space and the barrier device. Additionally, in winter months, when it is necessary to plow parking lots or other parking areas to clear same of accumulated snow, such known parking space barriers present a considerable hazard and obstacle to the operators of snowplows, due to the aforementioned protrusions above ground level even when in horizontal, nonblocking position.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION With the above background in mind, it is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide a device for preventing unauthorized use of a parking space which avoids the above-mentioned drawbacks of known prior art devices.

Specifically, it is an object of this invention to provide such a parking space barrier device which is set into the pavement or ground level outside the parking space and which will prevent unauthorized entry of a vehicle into the space.

It is a further object of the invention to provide such a parking space barrier device which may be readily swung between a blocking and nonblocking position by any person authorized to do so, and which may be locked against such swinging motion by a nonauthorized person.

These, as well as other objects which will become apparent as the description of the invention proceeds, are implemented by the inventive parking space barrier device characterized by a stationary vertical support post set into the ground outside and adjacent to the parking space, and a movable barrier portion pivotably secured to the support post and adapted to be swingable from a vertical position in which the space is free for use by a vehicle, to a horizontal position in which the barri er portion extends across a substantial portion of the parking space and blocks unauthorized use thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention itself will be better understood, and additional features and advantages thereof will become apparent,

from the following detailed description of a preferred inventive embodiment of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view, partially in section, showing two parking spaces each provided with the inventive barrier device; I

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view, looking along line 2-2 of FIGURE I, showing the inventive barrier device;

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the device of FIG. 2, partially in section, looking along line 3-3 of FIG. 2; and,

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 2 showing details of the pivoted joint of the device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Referring now to the drawings and initially to FIG. I, there is shown a portion of a parking lot or other parking area provided with a plurality of security devices constructed according to the present invention, and having a plurality of parking spaces generally designated as 10 and separated by suitable divider means 12 of any suitable form, such as paint markings, physical barriers or the like. As shown, an elevated walkway I4 is provided at one end of the parking spaces 10, and includes a curbing 16 at the edge thereof facing the parking spaces, as is customary.

A parking space barrier device, generally designated as 18, is provided for each of the parking spaces I0 which is desired to be reserved. As best seen from FIGS. 2 and 3, each of the barrier or security devices I8 includes a lower, substantially vertical stationary support post member 20, which is rigidly set into the ground by any suitable means, as for example, by being secured within a hollow sleeve member 22 anchored within the curbing I6. The support post 20 may be constructed of any suitable material which is strong, durable, and generally weather-resistant and may preferably, for example, comprise a suitable length of aluminum pipe.

Pivotally secured to the upper end of the support post 20 by any suitable pivoting means, as for example, a pivot pin or hinge member 24 extending through an upward extension 26 of the support portion 20, is a barrier member generally designated as 28, which is adapted to be swingable between a first or substantially vertical position shown in solid lines in FIGS. I, 2 and 4 wherein the parking space [0 is free for use by a vehicle, and a second, generally horizq tal position shown in phantom lines in these FIGURES, in which the barrier member 28 extends across a substantial portion of the parking space and prevents use thereof by a vehicle. As best seen in FIG. 3, the barrier member 28 comprises an upstanding base portion 30, the lower end of which is pivoted to the support post 20 by means of the pivot pin 24, and which in its vertical position forms essentially an upward extension of the support post 20, a generally horizontal, transversely extending bar member 32 secured to the top of the base portion 30 and extending to either side thereof generally parallel to the edge of the parking space (i.e., parallel to the curbing l6), and a pair of generally parallel upstanding arm members 34 respectively secured to the opposite ends of the transverse bar member 32. The height of the pivoting means 24 between the support post 20 and the barrier member 28 is preferably chosen so that the barrier member 28, when lowered to its blocking position as shown in phantom lines, is at a suitable height to effectively prevent a vehicle from using the parking space 10; accordingly, for example, a suitable height for the pivot would be approximately 2 to 3 feet above the pavement or ground level of the parking space 10 in order to correspond generally with the main body portion of an average vehicle. The blocking member 28, in the same manner as the support portion 20, may be constructed of aluminum pipe, and may have the various arms thereof secured to each other, as shown, by standard plumbing connectors.

Locking means are provided for selectively locking the swingable barrier member 28 in either its upper or nonblocking position, or its lower or blocking position. Such locking means. as best seen in FIG. 4, may preferably comprise a locking arm member 36 secured to the rear side of the base portion 30 of the blocking member 28, adjacent the lower end thereof and extending downwardly therefrom, and having an aperture 38 extending therethrough of sufficient dimensions to freely receive a locking pin member 40 which extends through the base portion adjacent its upper end and which protrudes from the rear side thereof, as shown. A suitable hole may be drilled or otherwise provided through the locking pin 40, adjacent the rear end thereof, to receive the hasp of a conventional padlock 42 or the like. Thus, it will be seen that when the barrier member 28 is in its vertical or nonblocking position, with the aperture 38 of the locking bar 36 fitting over the end of the locking pin 40, as shown in FIG. 4, and retained thereupon by the padlock 42, the barrier member 28 will thus be prevented from pivoting forwardly and downwardly. Additionally, a locking plate 44 having an aperture 46 therein is secured to the opposite side of the base portion 30, and is so located that the aperture 46 will align with a similar aperture 48 of a locking plate 50 secured to the upper end of the support portion 20 and extending generally horizontally therefrom, when the barrier member 28 is lowered to its horizontal, blocking position shown in phantom lines. By passing the hasp of the padlock 42 through the thus aligned apertures 46 and 48 of locking plates 44 and $0, the barrier member 28 may thus be locked in this horizontal position.

The outer ends of the parallel arm members 34 may advantageously be provided with means to enhance the visibility of same, so that the driver of a vehicle does not inadvertently collide with the arms under conditions of poor visibility. Thus, for example, the ends of the arms may be provided with suitable reflector means 52 secured to the ends thereof. which reflector means 52 will be clearly visible when the barrier member 28 is lowered to its horizontal blocking position. To further increase the visibility of these reflector members 52, they may be painted or otherwise given a bright, easily visible color, and may additionally be reflectorized, so that they will be readily visible either by day or night. Further, ifdesired, the ends of the arm members 34 may be provided with suitable decorative means indicated as 54, shown in dotted lines, secured to the arms 34 in such a manner that they do not obstruct the visibility of the reflector means 52.

The operation and use of the device is believed apparent from the description of its construction above; however, this operation will be briefly reviewed hereunder for the sake of clarity. Firstly, assuming that the barrier member 28 is initially in its upright, nonblocking position and is locked in this position, if the person authorized to use such space desires to block the space against use by unauthorized vehicles, he may remove the padlock 42 from the locking pin 40 of the base portion 20, thus freeing the locking arm 36 and permitting the barrier member 28 to be swung downwardly to its blocking position shown in phantom lines. In this position, the apertures 46 and 48 of the locking plates 44 and 50 secured to the barrier member 28 and the support portion 20, respectively, will be aligned, and the barrier member 28 may be then locked in this position by passing the hasp of padlock 42 or any other suitable locking means through these aligned apertures. In the event that it is then desired to use this space, the above procedure is reversed; i.e., the padlock is removed from the apertures 46 and 48 in the locking plates 44 and 50, the barrier member 28 is raised to its vertical, nonblocking position shown in solid lines, with the locking bar 36 of the barrier member fitting upon the locking pin 40 to lock the barrier member in its upright position.

The length of the base portion 30 and the arm members 34 of the barrier member 28 is preferably chosen such that when the barrier member 28 is lowered into its horizontal, blocking position, the arm members 34 will extend a substantial distance across the parking space 10 and will effectively prevent a vehicle from being moved into this space. By the use of aluminum piping or ot er lightweight, rigid materials, a length of the arms 34 may be utilized without unduly adding weight to the device, whereby the barrier member 28 may be readily swung to either position without undue effort.

It will be appreciated that, inasmuch as the support post member 20 is secured within the sleeve member 22 which is located outside and adjacent to the actual parking space, no portion of the device is located within the parking space at ground level. Accordingly, when the device is raised to its vertical, nonblocking position shown in solid lines in the drawings, the parking lot or other parking area may be readily plowed without the necessity for watching for obstructions in the pavement, as would be the case in prior known devices of this nature.

By providing a parking lot security device as described above, it is believed evident that all of the objects set forth at the outset of this specification have been successfully fulfilled.

What I claim is:

l. A parking lot security device for preventing unauthorized use ofa parking space comprising, in combination, a generally upstanding support post member secured to the ground outside and adjacent to the parking space, and a barrier member pivotally secured to said support post for swinging movement between a first, generally vertical position providing access of a vehicle to the parking space, and a second, generally horizontal position preventing access of a vehicle to the parking space; said barrier member, when in said horizontal position, extends across and projects into a substantial portion of said parking space at a height generally corresponding to the body portion ofa vehicle.

2. A security device as defined in claim 1 further comprising locking means for locking said barrier member in said vertical position.

3. A security device as defined in claim 2, further comprising means for locking said barrier member in said horizontal position.

4. A security device as defined in claim I, wherein said barrier member comprises an upstanding base portion pivotally secured to said support post, a generally horizontal transverse bar member secured to the top of said base portion, and at least one generally upstanding arm member secured to an end of said transverse bar member, said arm member extending across the parking space when said barrier member is in said horizontal position.

5. A security device as defined in claim 4, wherein two of said upstanding arm members are provided secured to opposite ends of said transverse bar member and extending generally parallel to each other.

6. A security device as defined in claim 5, further comprising reflector means secured to the free ends of said upstanding arm members, whereby said arm members will be readily visible to the driver of a vehicle when said barrier member is in said horizontal position. 

1. A parking lot security device for preventing unauthorized use of a parking space comprising, in combination, a generally upstanding support post member secured to the ground outside and adjacent to the parking space, and a barrier member pivotally secured to said support post for swinging movement between a first, generally vertical position providing access of a vehicle to the parking space, and a second, generally horizontal position preventing access of a vehicle to the parking space; said barrier member, when in said horizontal position, extends across and projects into a substantial portion of said parking space at a height generally corresponding to the body portion of a vehicle.
 2. A security device as defined in claim 1 further comprising locking means for locking said barrier member in said vertical position.
 3. A security device as defined in claim 2, further comprising means for locking said barrier member in said horizontal position.
 4. A security device as defined in claim 1, wherein said barrier member comprises an upstanding base portion pivotally secured to said support post, a generally horizontal transverse bar member secured to the top of said base portion, and at least one generally upstanding arm member secured to an end of said transverse bar member, said arm member extending across the parking space when said barrier member is in said horizontal position.
 5. A security device as defined in claim 4, wherein two of said upstanding arm members are provided secured to opposite ends of Said transverse bar member and extending generally parallel to each other.
 6. A security device as defined in claim 5, further comprising reflector means secured to the free ends of said upstanding arm members, whereby said arm members will be readily visible to the driver of a vehicle when said barrier member is in said horizontal position. 